Abstract:Angela and Jordan patch things up; Jordan tells her he’s ready to commit to a relationship; Rayanne gets over Angela; Rickie finds out the Pride House has been temporarily shut down due to health violations; Jordan passes a test with Brian’s help; Brian finally fesses up to Angela about the letter

based on stories and characters created by Winnie Holzman

ACT ONE:

FADE IN:

INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - TUTORING ROOM - MORNING

[The scene opens with the familiar picture of Brian
sitting in his desk with the desk opposite him empty. The
tutoring room is virtually empty with only two other students
seated across the room. Brian is reading a Pennsylvania Driver's
Manual when he glances at the clock on the wall that tells him it
is 7:20 AM. Jordan walks in and sits down.]

JORDAN: Turns out we'll only be at the Loft
on Monday and Wednesday, so...I can be here most of the week.

BRIAN: Your band, you mean.

JORDAN: Yeah.

BRIAN: OK, then...we can...get started.

JORDAN(after a beat):
So, you're tryin' t'get your permit?

BRIAN: Yeah, I'm just...I mean, I'll
probably take the test this weekend and then get a job or
somethin' so I can get my license.

JORDAN(smiling): Maybe
you can give *me* a ride next time.

BRIAN(matching his
smile): Yeah.

JORDAN: So, we have this English test
today, right? It's about that story, um...damn, what was the
name?

BRIAN: "Master Harold"...and the
boys.

JORDAN: Yeah, yeah. I read it, too. I
mean...parts of it. It's about these black guys, and two of them
are, like, friends, and they fight or somethin'? But, I think I'm
missing a page, 'cause the last thing I read was the one guy just
leaves, and it's like they're still mad at each other.

BRIAN: No, that's the right ending. It's an
open ending. You're supposed to imagine what happens between
them.

JORDAN(getting it): Oh.

BRIAN: Oh, and the *one* character? Hally?
He's white, and he's only, like, 17. That's "Master
Harold." He's a white kid and he's friends with two black
guys who're, like, 40. And, because it's in South America - and
this is back in the 50s - that's why it's so ironic.

JORDAN: Oh, 'cause the white kid is, like,
smarter than them, so it's like, "Why's he hangin' out with
them?"

BRIAN: It's not that he's smarter, he has
higher status in society then them just ''cause they're black.
So, it's ironic that he's only a *kid* and he can still tell them
what to do, but he'd rather be a friend to them.
(beat) You know what I mean?

JORDAN: Sort of. (beat)
Higher *what?*

BRIAN: Status. It just means that Hally's
regarded on a higher level then Sam and Willie. (beat;
Jordan still looks somewhat confused. Brian reaches into his
school bag and pulls out a sheet of paper.) Here, this
was homework we had a few days ago. I filled in all the answers,
just read it over a few times n' you should be ready for the
test.

[As Jordan begins to read the paper, we CUT TO:

EXT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - SIDEWALK - MORNING

[Rayanne is walking down the street with her large
bag. She is the only one in sight with the exception of a few
people entering the school off in the distance. Suddenly, Delia
Fisher comes walking in to the scene next to Rayanne.]

DELIA: Uh, hi!

RAYANNE(barely paying attention
to her): Hi.

DELIA: You're on drama, right?

RAYANNE: Yeah.

DELIA(pointing in another
direction): The auditorium's *this* way.

RAYANNE: Oh. Right.

[They start to walk in the direction of the
auditorium entrance on the side of the school.]

RAYANNE: It's just kinda *unreal* to be
here so early. It's like I have this...*freedom.*

DELIA(looks at her,
confused): What, you never had to come to school early
before?

RAYANNE: No. (laughs)
You *have?*

DELIA: Not at *this* school,
but...(beat) Why did Katimski ask us to come
so early instead of *after* school?

DELIA: 'Cause...maybe he just doesn't want
people to know. I don't think he *does.*

RAYANNE: That he's gay? Believe me, the
whole *school* knows, myself included! He just hasn't accepted it
yet, or whatever. No biggy.

DELIA: Wait, so you're saying...?

RAYANNE: I'm *saying,* don't get your hopes
up. Him and you?...(shakes her head)...nah.

DELIA: Oh, I know, I just...a girl can
dream, or whatever.

(As Delia speaks, Rayanne notices Angela walking into
school through the main entrance.)

RAYANNE(depressingly):
Yeah, a girl *can.*

[Rayanne and Delia walk up a short flight of steps
and into the auditorium.]

CUT BACK TO:

INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - TUTORING ROOM - MORNING

[Brian is reading over the paper. He looks up at
Jordan.]

BRIAN: OK...(reading from the
paper) What's the underlining conflict in the play?

JORDAN: Change.

BRIAN: Right. How does Sam change?

JORDAN: He becomes more...aware?...of
Hally's, like, problems, and...he tries to help him,
but...Hally's, like, too...uh, what was that word?

BRIAN: Self-conscious.

JORDAN: Yeah, he's that. So, it's like he
keeps things to himself.

BRIAN: Mm-hmm.

JORDAN: And, he's sort of got this, like,
ego problem? 'Cause there's that one part where he thinks he's
right, and he yells at that guy?

BRIAN: Exactly!

JORDAN(self-satisfied):
OK.

BRIAN(smiling): OK.

INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - MORNING

[Angela walks slowly down the hallway, staring into
the empty classrooms she passes.]

ANGELA(VO): Being in
school before school actually starts is like seeing how a person
or a thing is, like...*weak.* You strip away all the elements
that make that thing whatever it is. And, it's depressing, kind
of...but, at the same time, it makes you feel different...even
though you aren't. The past week of my life has made me feel
different. I'm really not...But, everyday, something changes me
or changes the way I see something. It's like a roller
coaster...only I'm not buckled in.

CUT BACK TO:

INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - TUTORING ROOM - MORNING

BRIAN: So, I guess that's about it. I mean,
you're *ready,* so...

JORDAN: Yeah.

BRIAN: Unless you *want* to stay and go
over it some more.

JORDAN: Nah. I should get outta here. I,
uh...(suddenly acting exhausted)...I need a
smoke! See ya.

[Jordan gets up and heads out the door.]

CUT TO:

ANGELA'S POV

[We see Jordan turn the corner and begin walking down
the hallway towards Angela until he then notices her watching
him. Brian steps out of the tutoring room.]

ANGELA(O.S.): Jordan!

[He steps back slightly, then walks up the nearest
flight of steps.]

ANGELA(O.S.): Jordan,
wait!

INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - SAME HALLWAY - DAY

[Angela hurries down the hall in pursuit of Jordan.
She gets to the end and sees Jordan no where. She lets out a deep
sigh and turns around, almost walking into Brian.]

ANGELA: Oh, sorry.

BRIAN: No, that's-

ANGELA: Is he...?

BRIAN: What?

ANGELA: I mean, has Jordan said anything
about me?

BRIAN(pretending to
think): Not that I remember.

ANGELA(upsetting sigh):
Oh.

[Brian notices her sadness. Although he doesn't want
Angela and Jordan together, he can't stand to see her like
that.]

BRIAN: Actually...

[Angela looks up, hopeful.]

BRIAN(cont'd): ...I
think he's, like, avoiding you. (beat) 'Cause
he...he *knows* that you know I wrote that letter. And you're all
right with it, but he probably doesn't know that. I mean...I can
see where he's coming from.

[The scene opens with a shot of Jordan under the
bleachers, leaning against a support bar. As he lights up a
cigarette, he sees something and quickly spins around. Angela
comes walking into the picture, brushing her hair to the
side.]

ANGELA(casually): Hi.

JORDAN: (turns around; a
beat): Hey.

[They stand silent for a moment. Angela is staring at
him.]

JORDAN(impatiently):
What?

ANGELA: I know...(a
beat)...I mean...I found out that you didn't,
exactly...(another beat)...*write* that
letter.

ANGELA: I just...know. (a
beat) Because...you couldn't have written something
that beautiful.

ANGELA(VO): I haven't
hated myself more at this moment than I ever've before.

JORDAN(a little
insulted): What?

ANGELA: I mean...it's not, like, impossible
for you to have those feelings, but-

JORDAN: I can't, like...express myself.

ANGELA: I know, so that's why-

JORDAN: So I asked someone...I told someone
what to write and they made it, like...sound good.

ANGELA: And I know Brian Krakow wrote
it...but, that doesn't mean it wasn't coming from you, I
understand that. (extended beat) So, what I'm
trying to say is...(shying away a bit)...is
that I forgive you...again.

[As the camera pulls away, we see Angela walking away
with a smile of happiness and relief, while Jordan remains
emotionless on the outside, but ecstatic on the inside while
smoking his cigarette.]

ACT 2:

INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY

[Sharon emerges from the bathroom still playing with
her hair.]

BOY #1(yelling out at Sharon from the midst of a
crowd): VD!

[It doesn't hurt her as much anymore, but a look of
anger for Kyle still crosses over her face. Suddenly, she sees
Kyle walking with all of his friends as they jokingly push each
other around. One of his friends notices Sharon glaring at
them.]

BOY #2: Yeah, Cherski!

[Kyle and his friends walk up to her.]

KYLE(deviously): Hey,
Sharon.

SHARON(with no
emotion): Hey, Vinovich.

KYLE(humoring her): Oh,
so that's how it is now? A last-name basis?

SHARON: Look, just 'cause you couldn't get
it up...

BOYS: Oooooh!! Yeah!!

BOY #2: Ya gonna take that, Vinovich?

KYLE: Shut up. What am I gonna do, hit her?

SHARON(sarcastically):
You better not hit me or you might get my AIDS.

KYLE: Yawn, Sharon. You're no fun even when
you're *mad.* Later.

[Kyle and his friends retreat as Angela approaches
Sharon.]

ANGELA: Sharon!

SHARON: Angela! Hi! How's everything?

ANGELA: What's this I hear about you having
AIDS?

SHARON: Oh, it's just a stupid rumor that
Kyle started after I dumped him. It hurt at first, but now it's
just pathetic. I'm sure it'll be completely forgotten in a few
days.

ANGELA: So, you dumped Kyle?
Congratulations! I mean...I guess, if that's what you wanted.

SHARON: I wanted to. But, when I was
actually doing it, I was, like, regretting it. I wanted to cry,
but after seeing how Kyle's taken it...I mean, I'm seeing a whole
new side to him, and now I'm just so glad to have him *off* my
*shoulder!* (beat) So, you and Jordan Catalano
are back together?

ANGELA: Yeah. It's weird, it's like this
thing I can't control it. It's a long story. (walking
away) I'll tell you later. I have Geometry now, so...!

SHARON: OK! (waving to Angela as
she walks out of sight. Sharon smiles happily.)

INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - GIRLS' BATHROOM - DAY

[Rickie is applying some eyeliner when the toilet
flushes and Delia comes out. There are several other girls in the
room.]

DELIA: Is there another meeting today?

RICKIE: No, Mr. Katimski's gotta go
straight home.

DELIA: Oh, good, 'cause I can't work
another minute.

RICKIE: I know what you mean-

[Suddenly, Rayanne enters the bathroom.]

RAYANNE: Rickie...! (to
Delia) Oh...hi.

DELIA: Hi!

RAYANNE: Um...(forgetting what she
was going to say)...oh, is there a meeting after
school?

RICKIE(laughs): No.

[Rayanne comes over and steals the eyeliner form
Rickie and uses some on herself.]

RAYANNE(calling to
Delia): Hey, uh...(forgetting her name
again)...you! Y'comin'?

[Camera shows Delia in the bathroom through the
doorway.]

DELIA: OK!

[Delia walks out and joins the 2 of them. Rayanne is
all smiles.]

CUT TO:

EXT. CITY PARK - EVENING

[The scene opens with a shot of Jordan's car parked
just outside an unknown park. The camera pans to the left and we
see Angela and Jordan walking down the sidewalk.]

JORDAN: We figure I'll do the singing for
now, and if we can't get anyone better...I'll just be the singer.
I don't mind, I mean...I never thought of myself as a singer,
but...

ANGELA(sincerely
interested): Yeah.

JORDAN(after a long
beat): So, whadda we do?

ANGELA: You'll do fine. I *love* your
voice.

JORDAN: No, *us.* I mean, are we, like,
official?

ANGELA: You mean, back together? Like a
couple?

JORDAN: Like a couple.

ANGELA: I don't know, I mean...I *want* to,
but...I want a relationship. I don't want to be another girl, I
want an actual relationship were, like, we *both* have to make,
y'know...sacrifices, or whatever. I mean, wha-

[Jordan leans in and kisses her passionately,
interrupting her.]

JORDAN(after a beat):
Look, I don't wanna pressure you or anything, but I gotta know.
Are you, like, one of those "I'm worth waiting for"
girls?

GRAHAM(laughing): Oh.
Yeah, sorry. (takes a deep breath) OK.
(laughs again) It's just that I'm falling
behind. I was supposed to have this at least *half* done
yesterday, but all we have right now are the few main entr_es
that me and Hallie decided on a little while ago. And, I mean,
think about it; I have to figure which dishes can be prepared
ahead of time, how *far* ahead, the best way to store them and
reheat them, how *long* I can store these things, how much
storage space I'm gonna even *have.* I mean, my God...I'm just
*now realizing* how much pressure I'm under!

[Patty looks at him with concern and sympathy as she
pets his head. She sits down next to him.]

PATTY: Graham...I can't tell you to *not*
be nervous. I mean, maybe that'll make you work more and
*better.* All I can say is that...I believe in you.

[Graham smiles and gently kisses her lips.]

CUT TO:

INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY

[Angela is walking down the hallway with a smile on
her face, ear to ear. She is dodging the large hallway crowd when
Brian approaches her.]

BRIAN: Angela.

ANGELA: Yeah?

BRIAN: 'Member that book we just did in
English?

ANGELA: Oh, um...Harold something?

BRIAN: Yeah. You still have it, right? The
one I let you borrow?

ANGELA: I have it.

BRIAN: Well, since we're done with the
test, could I get it back? I mean, normally, I wouldn't care, but
my cousin? He goes to North Catholic, and they're doin' it over
there, so it would just be convenient...I mean, I told him I'd
let him borrow it when he needed it, so-

ANGELA: OK. (Brian nods a goodbye
as he heads in the opposite direction. Angela turns the corner
and stops at her locker.)

INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - ANGELA'S LOCKER
- DAY

[As Angela does the combination for her locker,
Rickie suddenly stops beside her and smiles.]

ANGELA: Hi! God, it's been, like, years.

RICKIE: We've both been busy.

ANGELA(pulling books from her
locker): Yeah. I mean, in the last 4 days, my life is,
like...just something completely different and unexpected.
And...I guess it's a *good* thing, but...I keep waiting for
something to twist it all around.

ANGELA: Oh, he told me. I was sort of
disappointed at first, because...I guess I was just fascinated
that someone could almost feel the way about me that I
felt...*feel*...about Jordan.

RICKIE: So...wait. So, why are you
disappointed?

ANGELA: Because...when Brian wrote
that...it was just like this favor. I
mean...(laughing)...he didn't actually *mean*
it. And now that I think about it...it's funny that I thought he
actually could've. I mean, can you *imagine* Brian Krakow...in
love...with *me?* (still laughing)

[The camera pans across the room. The teacher is
sitting quietly in his desk while the students are busy writing
in their copybooks. The camera zooms in on Brian as he sits at
his desk writing on his test with a pencil. As he writes, we see
him pause for a moment. The camera zooms in on his hand as he
turns the pencil over to erase the mistake he just made. We see
that the end of the pencil doesn't have an eraser. The camera
moves back to Brian's face who is obviously frustrated. As he
slowly looks up, his eyes open wide.]

[Through the small glass window of the classroom
door, we see Angela and Jordan walking down the hallway in slow
motion. They are smiling and laughing and kissing.]

BRIAN(VO): Kill me.
Kill me now.

[And the salt water runs
Through your veins and your bones
Telling you no not this way, not this way, not this
way]

[Then we see Sharon and Kyle walk past each other,
not saying a word but staring into each others eyes with such
hate and such contempt that it makes Brian blink back to reality.
The camera fades down the hallway as the music ends the
scene.]

[And you would give anything
Give up everything
Offer your life blood away
For yesterday]

INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY

[The camera shows Rickie walking down an empty
hallway holding a slip of paper in his hand. The camera pans to
the entrance of the boys' bathroom where Brian is emerging
from.]

RICKIE(O.S.): Brian.

BRIAN(looking up): Oh,
hi. (They walk down the hallway together. Rickie looks
at Brian as if he's waiting for him to speak.) What?

RICKIE(beat): You
*know* what I'm gonna ask you.

BRIAN: What? About Angela? Look, I told her
as much as I can. I told her I wrote the letter and that was it.
I was like, 'I was interpreting Jordan Catalano for you.' I mean,
you *know* she was relieved to know that I'm not, like,
*obsessing* over this whole thing. Or at least she's relieved
'cause she *thinks* I'm not. (he sighs sadly)

RICKIE(looking down at the slip
of paper as they walk down a flight of steps): Where's
room 108?

BRIAN(uncertain): I
think that's guidance.

RICKIE: That's not good enough.

BRIAN(surprised): What?

RICKIE: You have to tell her everything.
She has no idea how you feel!

BRIAN(laughing): Oh.
(serious) Oh, oh, no, I can't.

RICKIE(becoming
impatient): *Yes,* you *can.*

BRIAN: If I tell her I meant it...it would
be pointless. So, maybe she'd be flattered or whatever. That's
it! I can't expect her to have those same feelings just 'cause
*I* do! It doesn't work like that!

[A unidentified teacher emerges from a classroom they
are walking past.]

TEACHER: Hey, we're takin' a test in here!
You wanna keep it down?

BRIAN: Oh, sorry.

TEACHER: Where are you two s'possed t'be?

BRIAN: Oh, I was just going to the
bathroom.

RICKIE: And I don't *know* where *I'm*
supposed to be.

TEACHER: Well, shut up and get back to
class.

[The teacher shuts the door and they both
laugh.]

RICKIE: Oh, here's room 108. So...I'll see
ya.

BRIAN: Yeah.

INT. LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - GUIDANCE OFFICE - DAY

[Mrs. Krzynowski is seated at her chair as Rickie
opens the door and enters.]

KRZYNOWSKI: Um, well, what happened was...I'm really sorry, I
don't know how to say this. (Rickie grows more and more
concerned by the second.) The Pride House got...closed
down...for health violations.

KRZYNOWSKI: At this point, no one can say. I don't know it
works, but I think the Pride House will have a certain amount of
time to clean up the place, then the Health Board will do another
inspection, and if it passes, they can re-open, only with twice
as many inspections.

[Mrs. Krzynowski and Mr. Katimski are seated opposite
each other on a long, red, picnic-style table eating their
respective lunches.]

KATIMSKI: ...that I'll just have to keep
him for...6 months? Are you *sure?*

KRZYNOWSKI: No, I'm not. But I *am* sure that this is not a
fast process.

KATIMSKI: I mean, it's not that I don't
mind his company, gee whiz, I enjoy it, but, but...I'm sure...I'm
sure he's not particularly fond of living with his teacher.
(laughs) Isn't there...isn't there something
we could, we could *do*...for *him?*

KRZYNOWSKI: Well, do you *know* that he would rather be
somewhere else than with you?

KATIMSKI: Kathy, any living child would
rather be *anywhere* than, uh, with...with a teacher. Imagine
having to...(laughs)...having to *live* with
one!

KRZYNOWSKI: You can't assume that. He's a very nice kid, and
he's so thankful to have a good house at this point...I mean, it
should not have to be this way, but he's just happy to be
*any*where besides the street or some shelter!

KATIMSKI: Ripley...71. Edwards, 74.
Lee...[laughs]...63. Petrucci...gee whiz. Down
in flames. [some of the class laughs]
Catalano...oh, wow! 82! [Brian and Jordan smile, proud
of themselves. Angela smiles but is visibly shocked that Jordan
did unusually well.] Krakow, 97. Thank you. So, Brian,
maybe you can...um...can you tell the 80 percent of the class
that got the essay...wrong... what it was?

BRIAN: What the question was?

KATIMSKI: The *question* was,
"Describe the change that Hally and Sam's relationship, uh,
uh...underwent." Is it underwent?

BRIAN(As the camera zooms in on
his face): Oh, yeah, um. It was just...that it was
going too fast for them, and...they used to be friends; they used
t'play together all the time, and *now?* It's like somethin' they
couldn't control, it's just...with time...*everything*
does...change, I mean. And it's due, in part, to Hally's
*ignorance?* But I think the point is that we have t'deal with
change as it happens... because it's *life.*

ACT 4:

INT. RESTAURANT - DAY

[Graham is walking around his kitchen, checking out
some of his brand new equipment (pots, pans, various
kitchen utensils). Hallie comes through the swinging
door between the dining area and the kitchen.]

GRAHAM: I have to say, you did good.

HALLIE(joking): At
least one of us can.

GRAHAM: Hey, I'm under *much* more pressure
than you.

HALLIE(laughing): Oh,
yeah, that's good! You should do stand up!
(seriously) I still have a *million* things to
do.

GRAHAM: Well, I have a billion.

HALLIE(laughs):
Seriously! I mean, I have a ton of companies to call. We still
need more forks and spoons and stuff, not to mention an entire
*set* of china. Plus, I have to buy the basic ingredients you'll
need, and the other things I'll have to order *after* you've
decided on the menu. So, *hurry up!*

GRAHAM(after a long
beat): I saw those guys out there working on the
fountain, painting the walls and everything.

HALLIE(energetic):
Don't ya love it? Can't you just *feel* the rush? I swear, I
could live off the excitement.

GRAHAM: I bet you could.
(beat) Now, you have this all planned out? If
we do everything on time and *right,* we can open by...when?

HALLIE: OK, last time. (running
down the list in her mind) After we've completely
furnished the dining area, ordered all of the kitchen supplies,
all of the food, printed the menus, blah, blah, blah, we should
be ready 3 weeks to a month *if* you hold up your part. 'Cause I
need to place an order for that food, and it'll take at *least* a
week and a half for all of it to be shipped.

GRAHAM: Don't worry...just...don't worry.

[Hallie opens her mouth to speak when she is
interrupted by the ringing of the phone. She picks it
up.]

HALLIE: Hello? (beat)
Patty! Hi. (beat) Mm-hmm.
(beat) You wanna talk to Graham or should I
just relay the message? (beat) Don't blame ya.
(beat) OK! Bye. (to Graham)
She said to be home early. Danielle, talent show, etcetera.

[Rickie walks through the metal detectors. In the
distance, Mr. Katimski is hurrying to catch up with Rickie. He
slows down and walks through the metal detectors, then stops
beside Rickie as they continue to walk.]

KATIMSKI: I just want to, to help you,
so...whatever's best for you is...is best for me. If you want to
stay with, with me, or...with a friend or...wherever...as long as
you'll be safe. I just...you probably don't want to spend all
your, your *time* living with your teacher.

RICKIE: No, I...I don't even really *look*
at it like that.

KATIMSKI(softly): Oh.
How do you, uh...how do you...look at it?

RICKIE: Just that...a good person giving me
a place to stay.

[Rickie and Mr. Katimski reach his car.]

KATIMSKI: Do you want to ride home,
or...or...?

RICKIE: Um...OK.

[Katimski unlocks the door and Rickie gets in the car
as Katimski goes to the other side.]

INT. KATIMSKI'S CAR - DAY

RICKIE: So...getting back to all that. I
don't want to be, like, a burden on you or-

KATIMSKI(starting the
engine): No, no, Rickie, you're not a burden! I...I
thought *I* was burdening *you* by, by, by...I mean, you living
with a teacher just seems so...what's the word they use these
days? Um...oh, gee whiz! It's just not `cool!`

RICKIE: You think I care about being cool?
Three weeks ago, I was living on the streets and in warehouses
with pretty much nothing to eat! Now, I live in an actual *house*
and eat real meals and sleep on a bed! I would live with *any*one
to get away from what I use to have!

KATIMSKI: So...you're all right with having
to live at my house a while longer?

RICKIE: Perfectly happy.

KATIMSKI: Perfectly happy? (Rickie
nods. Katimski smiles.) Well...I'm glad we got that out
of the way. (beat) Of course you realize that
you won't...be able to stay with me for*ever.*

RICKIE: *Then* I think I would go nuts.
(They both laugh as we end ACT 3 or something

CUT TO:

INT. CHASE HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EVENING

[Patty is pacing back and forth, nervously, putting
on her coat, looking for her keys, etc.]

DANIELLE(O.S.): Mom, I
can't find my shoes!

PATTY(panicky): We're
going to be late!

[Danielle walks down the stairs as Patty finds her
shoes on the floor.]

DANIELLE(panicked): I
can't go without my shoes.

[Patty shows them to her and relief crosses
Danielle's face. Graham comes into the living room throwing his
jacket on quickly. There's a knock on the door.]

PATTY(hurrying into the
kitchen): Graham can you get that?

[Graham opens the door. Brian is there, waiting
patiently for something to happen.]

GRAHAM(prompting a
response): Uh...

BRIAN(realizing): Oh, I
just need this book. Well, not me, but my cousin. I mean, Angela
has it, and he needs it, so-

GRAHAM(quickly
interrupting): OK, OK. (motions for Brian to
come in) She'll be down in a minute.

[Graham walks upstairs to get Angela. Danielle is in
the living room with Brian tying her shoes. She is clothed in her
aerobics get-up.]

DANIELLE(explaining):
Talent show. 'Cause I'm, like, talented.

BRIAN: Yeah.

[Patty returns from the kitchen.]

PATTY: Hi, Brian. (Brian returns a
shy wave) What, um...?

BRIAN: I'm, uh...I need this book back.

PATTY: Oh, OK. Angela! Graham! We'll be out
in the car!

[Patty opens the door. She and Danielle leave. Brian
stands in the doorway when Graham trots down the
steps.]

GRAHAM: She'll be down in a minute.

BRIAN(moves out of the way so
Graham can leave): I know.

[Once again, Bran is alone. After a beat, Angela
comes down the steps with the book.]

ANGELA(in a friendly
tone): Here. (Hands Brian the book.)

BRIAN: Thanks.

ANGELA(pointing out the
door): We gotta go, so...

BRIAN(deep breath): I
meant it.

ANGELA(impatiently):
You're welcome!

BRIAN: No, the letter.

ANGELA(after a beat):
Wait, say this again?

BRIAN(hesitant): The
letter that I wrote, *for* Jordan, t'give to you. I meant it.

ANGELA(perplexed and
amazed): I don't...I mean...you meant it? Like, every
*word* of it?

[Without warning, Patty appears at the
doorway.]

PATTY(grabbing Angela's
arm): Angela, let's go! We're late as it is!
(Unwillingly, Angela leaves; to Brian) Just
close the door on your way out. (Patty walks out and
Brian is left standing in the Chase's doorway, alone, as the
camera zooms in on his awestricken face, then the credits
roll.)

The End

Author's Notes

"Estonia" by Marillion is available on their 1997
release, "This Strange Engine" and is highly
recommended.

"Master Harold"...and the boys was written by Athol
Fugard and is set in England-governed South Africa in the 1950s.

Episode No. 20 - Communication Breakdown by Jim BrooksPublished: 1997 | Size: 41 KB (7863 words) | Language: english | Rating: PG-13Average:3.8/5 3.8/5 (125 votes)Angela feigns sickness in order to stay home from school and avoid confrontation with Brian; Graham’s car breaks down and is forced to spend the night at Hallie’s apartment; Sharon breaks up with Kyle, so Kyle starts a vicious rumor about her; Brian attempts to tell Angela about the letter, but fails

Episode No. 23 - Cupid's Arrow by Jim BrooksPublished: 1997 | Size: 31 KB (6033 words) | Language: english | Rating: PG-13Average:4.0/5 4.0/5 (80 votes)Rayanne and Rickie are depressed about spending another Valentine’s Day alone, so they spend it with each other; Sharon organizes the Valentine’s Day dance, but it gets canceled at the last minute; Angela spends Valentine’s Day at Jordan’s house where she meets his dad; Jordan reveals his mother died during his birth

Episode No. 24 - Accidents happen by Jim BrooksPublished: 1997 | Size: 37 KB (7330 words) | Language: english | Rating: PG-13Average:3.7/5 3.7/5 (53 votes)Graham and Patty spend the weekend away from the kids, but it only places them further apart from each other; Angela goes downtown to see Jordan’s band; Jordan gets drunk and Angela refuses to drive home with him; Angela asks Brian (who is now driving) to come pick her up; Brian gets in an accident with Jordan; they both end up in the hospital

Really, really a great story. This writer absolutely has the right writing style for these episodes. It's all very natural in he way the storyline and characters continue to develop and unfold and build up again. I like how you ended it too. I didn't stop reading or even pause at all till I finished reading the whole piece. Thanks for the episode!!

anonymous author commented on 04 Jun 2002:

Too much cussing in your stories to relly be the show.Delia knows Rayanne and Rickie are best friends, she says so to Sharon in #19I kind of don't think that we should say how long ricki and Raynanne have been friendsjordan shouldn't give in to her insulting him about not being able to write a letter, he should just say 'what' and then get defensive. Jordan Catalano doesn't have to explian that part of himselfsome of the converstaions, especially with Delia don't seem real, but you do a good brian.

Eva commented on 10 Jun 2002:

The characters are developed very well. Great story.

Yodie commented on 27 Jul 2002:

it brought back so many memories.. it brought me ack to the storyline. Perfect how you had Brian let Angela think, he was doing Jordon a favor by writting the letter, when he really wrote it himself. Aww, anyways, I really liked it.:)

Tasha commented on 12 Jan 2004:

It was good.

karem commented on 10 Oct 2004:

It's one of the best stories, where Angela, Jordan and Brian face love, the way they feel about it

cms commented on 11 Oct 2004:

This one was better than Communication Breakdown. There were a few things that weren't conscise with the show. Like the conversation between Delia and Rayanne about Rickie being gay, and in #19 Angela knows that Brian wrote the letter and he implied that HE ment it.... But overall it was a great story and I enjoyed it.

Becca commented on 23 Dec 2004:

I think this is a super story! I like how you even pick the music to play. The one thing I think is a little false is about Jordan bringing up the relationship issue with Angela. Jordan initiated the reconciliation, but he's not near as much of a forward thinker as Angela, and he needs some time to process the fact that Angela has forgiven him, not to mention the false foundation of the Brian letter that he needs to build the renewal of the relationship upon. I think he would not break out of his "whatever" facade, even with Angela, without some severe provocation. I think the letter is more Angela and Jordan's problem than Brian's right now, since he has already told Angela that he wrote it (at the end of #19).

Michele gave this story a 4.0/5 4.0/5 rating and commented on 02 Jun 2013:

I am a die-hard fan of MSCL, and I have to say, you did a superb job! I just now found these, but I am SO enjoying them! Just read the first two, on my way to the third! Good job; you nailed the characters pretty much right on! And it is going pretty much how I anticipated how it would have went on.